Well the winter chills have finally arrived. A change of season comes with a change in some of our daily routines.
Even though I love summer days, winter definitely has its perks. Some of the winter wonders for me include sitting beside a log fire, cuddling in bed, roast dinners, and warm drinks.
Have you heard the saying summer bodies are made in winter?
Well this principle applies in medical aesthetics too.
Besides other medical aesthetics treatments like Botulinum toxin, Dermal Fillers and Thread Lifts: I thought to highlight some treatments that are ideal for winter as well as give some tips on skincare during the chilly season.
Three treatments that immediately come to mind for the winter months are Microneedling, Chemical Peels and Sclerotherapy.
Before I elaborate on these “hot” topics let me give you some of my winter skincare tips.
We all know the saying “prevention is better than cure”. We all want to prevent that dry, chapped winter skin.
Often our hands and faces are the most exposed areas during these colder months. So now is the time to relook at what you are doing to keep your skin healthy and glowing during this season. I was recently asked to give my top 10 healthy winter skin care tips, so here goes:
1. DRINK WATER
This is more difficult during the colder months but just as essential to keep your skin hydrated. If you are struggling with drinking cold water then drink hot water with a dash of aloe, lemon juice or honey or drink a cup of organic herbal tea. Try to limit the sugar content of these drinks and avoid drinks that dehydrate you. One can also add lemon slices, strawberries, or cucumber slices to your water to spice it up.
2. MOISTURISE, MOISTURISE ……. MOISTURISE
It is time to re-look your summer moisturiser. A thicker cream or moisturiser especially at night to maintain the skin barrier is recommended. Be careful not to over exfoliate during these months. Two or three times per week with an enzyme exfoliator is sufficient. Also beware of toners and acidic cleansers for now.
3. LOVE YOUR HANDS AND LIPS
Do not forget to look after your lips with a rich lip balm. With all the hand sanitisers that we are using, a high-quality soothing hand cream is a wise investment.
4. SHOWER TIME
A hot shower is great in winter but not the best for the biggest organ in your body, your skin. Turn down the heat to warm and keep your shower time reasonable.
5. LOCK IN MOISTURISER
Lock in moisturiser immediately after showering or bathing. While your skin is still slightly damp apply a body moisturiser.
6. STICK TO WATER
Stick to washing with water for most of your body and use a gentle unscented body wash (preferably Paraben and Sulphate free) for those essential parts that need a little more care. Consider using products with built in moisturisers or oils. This helps to maintain your skin moisture.
7. APPLY SUNSCREEN
Even though it is winter, applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning needs to remain part of your skin care habits.
8. USE A HUMIDIFIER
Heaters and fires tend to dry out the air. Invest in a good humidifier to control your room environment.
9. HEALTHY DIET AND LIFESTYLE
We all get those winter cravings for hot chocolate or other high carbohydrate foods. Remember that your skin is made up of over 70% protein. Ensure a well-balanced diet with adequate protein intake for skin health and anti-aging. Do not neglect exercise even though it takes a bit more effort. Get that blood pumping through your body.
10. BE PROACTIVE
At the same time as getting winter woollies out of the closet, have a relook at your winter skin care habits. Remember prevention is better than cure.
Let us get back to some of the medical aesthetics treatments more suitable for winter:
1. SCLEROTHERAPY
What is Sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive and effective method of treating varicose and spider veins in the legs. A sclerosing solution is injected into the veins.
This agent irritates the lining of the vein causing it to shrink until it eventually disappears and is reabsorbed into the surrounding tissue.
Sclerotherapy takes a short period of time and has a short recovery period. It is more effective than laser treatment because it also collapses and destroys the feeder veins that lead to spider veins.
Advantages of sclerotherapy:
- Short treatment
- Relatively painless
- Performed in my rooms
- Relieves symptoms of various spider veins
- Permanently closes the treated veins
After care:
Compression bandages are wrapped around the affected leg immediately after treatment and are kept in place for 2 days to one week. Winter is the ideal time for this. One can go back to your normal daily routines after the treatment. However intense exercise is not recommended for up to 1 week after treatment. Walking daily is encouraged. Weight management as well as a healthy lifestyle is part of a successful treatment regime.
I also offer a weight management program including meal plans, wellness evaluations and nutritional products. Anti-cellulite cocktails are also available on request.
How many treatments are needed?
The number of veins injected in one session varies depending on the size, amount, and locations of the veins to be treated. Treatment sessions are usually an hour long and several sessions may be required over a period to ensure complete elimination of varicose and spider veins.
2. CHEMICAL PEELS
Background
Chemical peels were used over 3500 years ago by the ancient Egyptians. Since then chemical peels have evolved into highly sophisticated treatments including scientifically tested before and after skin care treatment as well as the selection and application of the correct peel for maximal aesthetic effect.
What are the different types of chemical peels?
Chemical peels can be mild, medium, or deep, which refers to how many layers of skin will be affected by the treatment.
What are chemical peels used for?
- Fine lines and deep wrinkles
- Sun damaged and ageing skin
- Treatment of mild scars
- Treatment of hyperpigmentation and age spots
- Dull complexion
What to do before my chemical peel?
Two to three weeks before the peel, you might need to begin preparing your skin to achieve optimal results.
Your aesthetics doctor will prescribe the best treatment based on various factors such as the age of your skin, skin tone and pigmentation.
The correct aftercare is essential to ensure optimal skin recovery and the best results.
The aftercare will be prescribed by your aesthetics doctor based on various factors such as the age of your skin, skin tone and pigmentation.
3. MICRONEEDLING
Background
Microneedling uses a pen-like instrument containing fine needles to puncture the skin gently and evenly, thereby stimulating the production of collagen and elastin in your skin, resulting in new skin replacing the old damaged skin. Various serums can be applied to the skin during microneedling such as NCTF 135 HA, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid further accentuating the treatment effects creating a more healthy, glowing and youthful skin.
What are the uses of microneedling:
- Scars
- Fine lines and deep wrinkles
- Stretch marks
- Hyperpigmentation
- Dull complexion
- Sagging skin
- Spider veins and broken capillaries
- Uneven skin tone
How long is a microneedling treatment?
A regular microneedling procedure usually takes about 60-75 minutes
What is the AFTERCARE following microneedling treatment?
Immediately after treatment your skin may feel as if you were out in the sun for a while, namely tight and slightly hot and red. The inflammation will, however, subside within a few hours.
The correct post treatment skin care products after treatment is important to ensure optimal healing and moisturisation.
Avoid sun-exposure and apply a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 50 sunscreen.
Avoiding Irritants and Makeup for 24 to 72 hours following your microneedling treatment.
- Avoid intense exercise and sweating
- Avoid swimming
- Avoid exfoliation
- Avoid acidic cleansers and retinol/ vitamin A
What is NCTF BOOST 135 HA?
This nutritive solution applied to the skin is a unique anti-aging, revitalising complex that contains hyaluronic acid as well as vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants.
I recently read a Japanese proverb “One kind word can warm three winter months”; so in conclusion to this blog here’s a quote from me: “No skin care treatment or product can fix a cold heart. So, let the warmth of your heart, your words and your smile cause your skin to radiate joy and life”.
